Lasers to use on Dental Hard tissue (Enamel, Dentin) – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim:  The aim of the study was to review the available literature and arrive at one or more technique/s or type/s or LASERS to use for dental caries removal and cavity preparation.

Settings and Design: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.

Material and methods: A comprehensive Literature review was undertaken aiming to arrive at a reliable, Efficient and safe method for the use of Hard Tissue LASERS in cavity preparation and caries removal. The present systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA and PICO Guidelines to the highest possible extent. The research material was selected and shortlisted from MEDLINE (PUBMED), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar search engines.

Results: Online database search was conducted from January 2000 to April 2021 resulting in a total of 446 articles being shortlisted. Post screenings using exclusion criteria, 8 articles were selected and reviewed. These were reviewed individually by all 3 authors and discussed for various techniques and types of LASERS to be used for caries removal and cavity preparation. 

Conclusion: The primary outcome of this systematic review is that Er, Cr: YSGG LASER operating at 2.78µm, pulse duration 140µs, repetition rate 20 Hz and pulse energy 0 to 300 mJ/ pulse when operated with used with a water and air spray gives the best clinical results.